What we can learn from Crimea

[Little Lou]

Thanks, NR and RS - I feel a prat for not realizing before about coffee. Green beans is an inspiration too.

(But I disagree with you on the politics, NR. I can't stand Putin, but the only Nazis here are the ones in the new Ukrainian government that our beloved leaders are supporting!)

RoadWarrior - yes, absolutely. It's the 'community' aspect of it that fascinates me most, and I fear you're right that we've lost it in UK. But you can still find that spirit in the older people, and communities where they're in a majority usually start to soak it up themselves.

In my own village more than half are elderly, and that's made a huge difference. We have street parties (Jubilee and Royal Wedding) and neighbours are always helping each other out. One of mine has cancer, for instance, and we have a rota on the street of people who take turns driving her in for chemo. My half of my road had power cuts in a storm this January, and we had endless knocks on the door from neighbours coming to see if we were all right or needed a hot drink!

I'm also the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator here, and have a huge database of people willing to be called in in an emergency - eg if there's a missing child. Three times a year I get a band of volunteers to go on a big 'litter pick' to clear the roads, playing field, and recreation ground, and I always get at least 40 people who turn up. There are problem areas, but I think on the whole we'd pull fairly well together if we had to. Though probably not like Crimea!

SS - yes, good question on the gold. I've asked if it's possible to get figures, and will report back.